23-year-old Oakland man charged in Juneteenth shooting incident
- A 23-year-old man from Oakland has been charged in connection with the Juneteenth shooting near Lake Merritt.
- The shooting incident resulted in injuries to several people during the celebration.
- Authorities are taking legal action against the accused individual for the violent act.
In Oakland, California, a 23-year-old man named JaJuan Kelly, who was one of the 14 people injured in a shootout last month, has been charged as one of the gunmen. Kelly faces four counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, as he was identified as one of four suspected shooters involved in the incident. The shootout occurred after a Juneteenth celebration that attracted thousands of attendees, leading to chaos and violence between rival groups at an unauthorized event. JaJuan Kelly, who was on probation for second-degree robbery at the time, had a prior conviction for possession of an assault weapon. The Alameda County District Attorney's Office announced the charges against Kelly, including possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, possession of an assault weapon, and grand theft. The shooting took place on June 19 during a sideshow in the 400 block of Grand Avenue, where multiple fights erupted, escalating into gunfire with over 50 shell casings recovered. Law enforcement found Kelly with a loaded gun following the shootout, and investigations are ongoing to identify all individuals involved in the conflict. Oakland police Chief Floyd Mitchell described the violent escalation that occurred during the sideshow, urging anyone with information to contact the authorities. The DA's office emphasized Kelly's role in shooting four of the 14 injured individuals at Lake Merritt, highlighting the severity of the charges he faces for his alleged involvement in the violent incident. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, concerns about public safety and the need for cooperation in the ongoing investigation have been raised. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal firearms and the impact of such violence on innocent bystanders. Authorities continue to seek justice and accountability for those responsible for the tragic events that unfolded during the unauthorized gathering in Oakland.